Following the 7th meeting of the EU-Georgia Association Council, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held a joint press conference.

“First, a responsibility to continue with important reforms, especially on the priorities – the 12 priorities - identified by the European Commission. Second, a responsibility to try to overcome polarisation, to build bridges across the political spectrum and to focus all collective efforts of the Georgian nation to reach the proclaimed objective to join the EU, which is not only something that the government has to do, but the whole political spectrum and the whole society.

Allow me to remind [you] that the European Union accession is a merit-based process. There are no shortcuts and no magic involved. It is not a matter of political declarations, but [of] political will that converts wills in results. Only visible and tangible progress in reforms can drive this process forward. The criteria and expectations are very clear when it comes to issues such as political culture based on inclusiveness, respect for the principles of democracy, the rule of law, the independence of judiciary, freedom of media, or alignment with the European Union’s standards and policies.

Georgia has decided to embark on the EU path and also to take on these responsibilities. And now, [what] is relevant is to deliver.

Allow me to stress also that the accession process needs to be accompanied by a national consensus, and the political forces have to find the way to work together. And, once again, it is not just a matter of the government but all political parties. That is why, we call the process an “inclusive process”, because it has to reflect the wish of the overwhelming majority of the population to link their future to the European Union.

I want to stress the importance of the civil society. I want to stress that the EU’s accession path brings tasks for all actors in the society. But the ruling party has, of course, the main responsibility there. It is not easy. It is not easy especially in the current geopolitical context, but you are not alone. The European Union – and all the European Union Institutions - are here to help and assist.

Let me say a few words about the political dialogue, that today, in this Council, we have been holding together. It has been central to our discussions, it has been central today. It should [continue] being central tomorrow. We are friends and partners, and we can talk openly – in praising the work done, but also in pointing out where more efforts are still needed. I have shared our assessment on some key areas where Georgia’s performance recently has raised some concerns, such as the judiciary, the rule of law and media freedom, including increasing political pressure on independent oversight institutions and opposition media.

These areas are crucial. [They] are crucial when it comes to European values and principles. We count on Georgia’s efforts to address the existing shortcomings. Once again – the government first, the whole political spectrum after, and the whole civil society also.

We have been reviewing the situation around the separatist breakaway regions - a very important issue for Georgia… We know that Georgia has been seriously impacted by the new geopolitical situation. We are also discussing here today – and we will continue discussing - how we can help Georgia to overcome these challenges and continue with the reform process despite these new difficulties”, - said Josep Borrell.

“I think that we should be all pleased by the fact that Georgia is a country with a recognised European perspective. This is a major opportunity, a major development, not only compared to the meeting we had last year, but also compared to any meeting we have had before with Georgia in the Association Councils. And I think that now the priorities are clear, we had an open, frank discussion about them, and that is, of course, how we can anchor our solid cooperation that we have built over the years based on the Association Agreement to make this European perspective a reality.

I think that today we need to send a message of encouragement. The moment is now to push ahead with the reforms, not to lose time or energy on internal divisions, but to work together. The progress of Georgia towards the EU will of course require time and very serious efforts by all. We are ready to mobilise all our available assistance to support you on this, and I want to underline the importance to all parties and the civil society rally around this goal. This is a unique national priority and a unique opportunity in front of the nation.

At this stage we of course recommend Georgia to focus on the implementation of the 12 priorities, as set out in the Opinion of the Commission. Strengthening the rule of law, implementing the necessary justice reforms to ensure a judiciary independent of outside interests, increase the fight against corruption, eliminating the excessive influence of vested interests in economic, political, and public life and strengthening the independence of the media of course are among these key tasks. I want to assure you that of course we will closely follow and support Georgia in this work.

Because next year, hopefully, as we will assess your progress as part of our enlargement reporting exercise, I do hope that we will be able to evaluate the progress made in a positive way and to explain to the Member States the track record that you would be establishing by then, and hopefully, the time and quality of reforms will show determination and delivery”, - added Olivér Várhelyi.

“European perspective comes with huge responsibilities and we perfectly understand it. To ensure the highest political, economic, and legal convergence with the European Union.

The historic decision of the European Council created a whole new set of benchmarks that will play a game-changing role for Georgia. Georgia is fully committed to implementing the 12 priorities identified by the Council.

The Georgian government presented a concrete action plan with specific deadlines per priority on July 1 and launched an inclusive process that brings together members of the different political groups, opposition parties, the government, and civil society. Regrettably some radical opposition parties do not participate in this process”, - said Irakli Garibashvili.